PHI has unveiled the latest addition of the 2024 rankings! You can read all about the junior class this week on PHI! Don’t have a subscription? Try it out at a special discounted rate of 30% by using code “Scottburgess30”.…
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Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log inPHI has unveiled the latest addition of the 2024 rankings! You can read all about the junior class this week on PHI! Don’t have a subscription? Try it out at a special discounted rate of 30% by using code “Scottburgess30”.
Check out the best big men in the Illinois junior class! This is without question the strength of the 2024 class in Illinois.
Morez Johnson
Morez
Johnson
6'9" | PF
St. Rita | 2024
State
#35
Nation
IL
(St. Rita)
Current Ranking: #1
Johnson jumped his high school and travel teammate for the top spot in our latest update. The Illini commit is a post that plays with an elite motor. He has brought it every game for the Mustangs. High level rebounder that snatches them in traffic with two hands. Good defender that blocks shots with force and can switch on the perimeter. On the offensive end he is an explosive finisher out of the dunker spot, has a nice spin move, and is solid from 15 feet with a jumper. He has a lot of upside given his athleticism, work ethic to be great, and improved offensive game.
James Brown
James
Brown
6'9" | C
St. Rita | 2024
State
#21
Nation
IL
(St. Rita)
Current Ranking: #2
The recent North Carolina commit is one of the best five men prospects in the Midwest. Brown is a very good area rebounder that controls the glass and has been good on the offensive boards throughout the year. Strong five has skill around the hoop especially with his sweeping scores from the short post or go to spin move. He can push off the break on his own.
Cooper Koch
Cooper
Koch
6'7" | PF
Peoria Notre Dame | 2024
State
#67
Nation
IL
(Peoria Notre Dame)
Current Ranking: #5
Koch is the third elite post that has made a college decision already as he is headed to Iowa. The PND four man is a new age power forward with his ability to stretch the floor with consistency. Pick and pop threat that shoots it extremely well off the catch. Koch is efficient and effective scoring around the hoop with his combination of footwork and touch. Solid area rebounder that seems to grab double digit boards each game we see.
Jason Jakstys
Jason
Jakstys
6'10" | C
Yorkville | 2024
State
#149
Nation
IL
(Yorkville)
Current Ranking: #6
Top uncommitted big man in the senior class is one that is starting to gain steam among mid-majors and high-majors. Projectable 6’10” center that is so fluid for his size. Rim runner, lob threat, can knock down pick/pop shots, and has an array of moves on the block. That isn’t even what he is best at! Defensively he is a big time shot blocking presence that covers so much ground with his length and anticipation.
Jaheem Webber
Jaheem
Webber
6'10" | C
Normal Community | 2024
State
#156
Nation
IL
(Normal Community)
Current Ranking: #7
Webber is a wide bodied five that has slimmed down some which has helped his mobility as a junior. Old school power center that plays with his back to the basket garnering deep post position for scores on hook shots and seals. Terrific area rebounder that is a clogger on the defensive end taking up space in the lane and being a tough defender.
Calvin Robins Jr
Calvin
Robins Jr
6'5" | PF
Kenwood | 2024
State
IL
. (Kenwood)
Current Ranking: #14
Robins Jr. is a bouncy four man that is a bit undersized, but has more than proved he is a legit D1 prospect. Elite level athlete that plays above the rim emphatically throwing down dunks in transition or out of the dunker spot. Also does it on the defensive end as a rim protector. High-motor four man that is starting to flash some skill which will take his stock to another level.
Jaden Smith
Jaden
Smith
6'8" | C
Kenwood | 2024
State
#249
Nation
IL
(Kenwood)
Current Ranking: #19
Smith is one of the toughest evals in the class. The Kenwood center has all the physical tools you could ask for with his size, length, and mobility. He will flash every now and then as a shot blocker and post scorer, but isn’t nearly consistent enough to bet on at this stage. He is still considered a D1 prospect because of his upside, but the next six months will be huge for him.
Stefan Cicic
Stefan
Cicic
6'11" | C
Riverside Brookfield | 2024
State
IL
(Riverside Brookfield)
Current Ranking: #21
Wide bodied five man that is one of the most intimidating forces in the state. Cicic is a man child against almost any defender trying to check him. He rebounds very well and is a good low post scorer that knows how to use his size to his advantage scoring on the block. His right handed hook shot is his go to move.
Jaylan McElroy
Jaylan
McElroy
6'7" | PF
DePaul Prep | 2024
State
IL
(DePaul Prep)
Current Ranking: #26
McElroy has missed a large portion of the season due to injury. When on the floor there are so many things to like here. The athleticism plays well up front as he can really run the floor with the best of them. Has some touch around the hoop, rebounds well on both ends, and brings shot blocking defensively.